Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Rhapsody (of Fire) - Dawn of Victory CD (album) cover

DAWN OF VICTORY

Rhapsody (of Fire)

 

Progressive Metal

3.77 | 113 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Dawn of Victory is the third album from Italian Euro Power metal band Rhapsody. I was a big fan of Rhapsody when this album came out and I was not disappointed as it follows the formula of the first two releases from the band. There are some small changes though that sets Dawn of Victory apart from Legenday Tales and Symphony of Enchanted Lands.

The music is generally very similar to the two previous albums which means fast paced drumming and neo classical guitar riffing, Orchestral arrangements which includes a choir and a bombastic and anthemic atmosphere that only few other bands in the genre masters as well. Rhapsody was a unique band at the time of this release even though they are clearly influenced by other euro power metal bands like Helloween and Stratovarius. What is special about Rhapsody is of course their heavy orchestral arrangements and Luca Turilliīs sweeping guitar solos which I always found to be a real treat. Very melodic but still pretty fierce. The orchestral arrangements donīt take any power out of the music like it could have done. Here it works with the music instead of against the music like I have heard so many times before when bands try and mix classical orchestral music into their rock/ metal. Rhapsody also owes some dept to German power metal band Blind Guardian.

There are some furiously fast songs on Dawn of Victory which is something I have always loved when weīre talking Euro Power Metal. The title track Dawn of Victory starts the album with a blast after the usual classical intro Lux Triumphans. Itīs an extremely fast paced song with some tempo changes along the way to keep it exciting. Itīs a clear favorite here for me. Triumph for My Magic Steel is also very fast paced but itīs a bit more melodic and bombastic. The Village of Dwarves is a mid paced folky song with some nice vocal harmonies. Itīs actually one of the better songs in this style Rhapsody have made. Dargor - Shadowlord of the Black Mountain is pretty fast paced too but like Triumph for My Magic Steel itīs also very bombastic.

The Bloody Rage of the Titans is a slow to mid paced song which is one of my favorites too. Itīs really grand and anthemic. Note Luca Turilliīs slow sweeping in the instrumental middle section. Great stuff. Holy Thunderforce which was the single from the album is a fast paced and strong song. Itīs not the best song her IMO but itīs still very good. Trolls in the Dark is an instrumental song which isnīt the best here either but good enough to be here. The Last Winged Unicorn is in family with Triumph for My Magic Steel and Dargor - Shadowlord of the Black Mountain which means fast paced yet bombastic. The epic The Mighty Ride of the Firelord ends the album. It starts really well and there are many great parts in this song. Itīs a bit too long IMO though and near the end I find it a bit trivial.

The lyrics are in typical euro power metal style about dragons, Dwarfes and heroes. I have always found this to be a joke, but I guess it suits the folky mideavil tendencies in the music.

The musicianship is outstanding and in addition to mastermind Luca Turilli on guitar and Alex Staropoli on keyboards who are the main composers in the band you also have new German drummer Alex Holzwarth ( Sieges Even) who plays some great and varied rythms on Dawn of Victory ( well as varied as it gets with classic euro power metal). Singer Fabio Lione also needs to be mentioned for his great performance here.

The production is a bit different compared to the previous albums as Rhapsody pursued a more organic sound on Dawn of Victory. I think it works on some songs while I miss the metallic edge from the two previous albums on other songs. Itīs a good production though. Very enjoyable.

IMO this was the last really good album from Rhapsody. Even though the first three albums were very elaborate with classical arrangements and choirs they still maintained power and a metallic edge. From now on Rhapsody will put more focus on the symphonic orchestral parts and there will be far between the fast paced songs that I loved on the first three albums. Itīs a real pitty IMO, but I know itīs an aquired taste. Dawn of Victory is an excellent album that I enjoy every time I listen to it even though I do prefer Legendary Tales and Symphony of Enchanted Lands. The 4 stars I will rate Dawn of Victory is well deserved.

UMUR | 4/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this RHAPSODY (OF FIRE) review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.